Things to see in Rio de Janeiro

The epicentre of Brazilian futebol, the Estádio Maracanã is also a sporting shrine for football fans from around the world. The world's biggest stadium was originally capable of holding around 200,000 people when it was built to host the 1950 World Cup Final. Even since converting to all-seated terracing in 1999, it still has capacity for 100,000 spectators. As well as football matches, live concerts have also been held at the Maracanã. Over the years many mega stars have performed here including Frank Sinatra, Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones and Madonna. The stadium went through an extensive programme of refurbishment in preparation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals and again before the 2016 Olympic Games.

In its heyday, the stadium was used up to three times a week, hosting home fixtures for three of Rio’s biggest football clubs: Flamengo, Fluminese and Vasco. But, since the Olympics, costs to stage matches have spiralled, pricing all three clubs out of using the stadium. Redevelopment work has stalled and, as of January 2017, Maracanã Stadium remains in a dilapidated state - 7,000 of its 80,000 seats missing.

Rio’s magnificent and historic gardens contain more than 8,000 native and imported species of flora, plus many free roaming animals, including monkeys, birds and butterflies. Considered one of the most important collections of tropical plants in the world, the Botanic Gardens were founded in 1808 by Dom João, the Prince Regent and subsequent Brazilian emperor. Its star attraction is the Aleia Barbosa Rodrigues – a pathway lined by towering Imperial Palms, all of which come from the original “Palma Mater” planted in 1842. Other highlights include a pond of giant Vitoria Regis waterlilies, as well as thousands of orchids, bromeliads, insectivorous plants and a sensory garden created with wheelchair users in mind. There are also several plant houses as well as the Museum of the Environment and a play area for families. It is best to visit in the morning when birds and other animals are most active.

Rio’s historic downtown district provides a worthwhile break from beach life. Its museums and galleries are housed in imposing colonial building and it boasts lively back street cafes, bars and dancehalls.

One of its main attractions is the Mosteiro de São Bento (Monastery of St Benedict), a 17th-century monastery and UNESCO World Heritage site with an opulent interior lined with gilt carving and historic paintings. The 18th-century Paço Imperial (Imperial Palace) and many other grand buildings, churches and museums are located on and around the harbourside square, Praça 15 de Novembro. One of the most impressive churches is the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelária (Church of Our Lady of Candlemas) with its domed roof, marble interior, wood carvings and stained-glass windows.

Art lovers will appreciate the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts), where paintings by Brazil's most prominent 19th- and 20th-century artists are exhibited along with African and folk artworks.

Modern architecture is well represented too, such as the striking pyramidal Cathedral, which contrasts with the whitewashed 18th-century arches of the nearby Arcos da Lapa.

One of the last remnants of Atlantic Rainforest, Tijuca National Park is the world's largest urban forest and Brazil's only inner city national park, giving Rio residents and visitors a huge natural wonderland on its doorstep. The park embraces the city, its dense vegetation tumbling down steep mountainsides from Corcovado west to Barra de Tijuca. Much of the forest was cleared for coffee plantations in the 19th century but a reforestation project successfully restored it, bringing back many rare animals and plants to their original habitat.

The park's abundant flora includes eucalyptus, jacaranda and jackfruit trees, orchids and bromeliads, as well as many species of birds, ocelots, monkeys, butterflies and reptiles. There are waterfalls and cooling streams too, as well as viewpoints such as Mirante Dona Marta and Vista Chinesa, which provide some of the city’s most awesome panoramas. Hundreds of walking and cycling trails lead through the forest, including ascents of Rio’s highest peaks, Pico da Tijuca at 1021m (3350 ft) and Bico do Papagaio at 990m (3250 ft). Some isolated stretches can be targeted by criminals, so visitors are advised not to go alone but join one of the guided walks offered by trekking companies.

If all this sounds too strenuous, there are various picnic spots for relaxation and enjoyment of the natural surroundings.

This saltwater lagoon is a huge open space in the middle of Rio, connected to the sea via a narrow canal that divides Ipanema and Leblon. It offers a relaxing, family-friendly alternative to the beach with fantastic views including the ever-present Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado. At the weekend, visitors join the city's residents for a stroll, jog or cycle on the 8km (5 miles) perimeter path, with bicycles and four-wheeled pedal buggies available for hire. Children paddle around the lake on swan-shaped pedalos, while others enjoy its waterfront cafes, exercise stations and stalls serving coconut milk fresh from the shell. In the evening, the lakeside takes on a romantic mood, as diners sit under the stars at one of the many quiosques (open-air restaurants), which specialise in regional and international cuisine. Some also provide live music for entertainment on weekend nights.

Housed in a 19th-century mansion on a quiet residential backstreet, this is one of Rio’s hidden gems. The small but specialised museum is devoted to the country’s indigenous people, whose numbers have been decimated through centuries of conflict. Their culture has been preserved to the present day and the exhibitions here display hundreds of artefacts, photographs and other archive materials that recreate the everyday lives of Brazil’s original inhabitants. Sound recordings and film clips immerse visitors in the rainforest and village communities. A reconstructed Xingu dwelling stands in the museum grounds and authentic handicrafts are on sale in the adjacent gift-shop. Activities and events take place all year round, including a special ceremony on 19 April, the Day of the Indian.